Reusable Pads: A Sustainable and Affordable Solution to Addressing
Period Poverty in Nigeria.
Abstract
Period poverty is the inability of menstruators to have access to
all they need for proper handling of their menstruation which includes;
access to menstrual products, proper menstrual education and sanitary
facilities. It is a big threat, especially in low and middle-income
countries if not properly addressed and a hindrance to the achievement
of sustainable development goals. Period poverty has resulted in girls
missing classes due to lack of access to menstrual products. Also some
women and girls tend to use pieces of clothing, tissues and other
unhygienic material for the management of their menstruation due to
their inability to afford disposable pads. The hike in price of
disposable pads has made them a luxury for many girls to have especially
in low and middle-income countries. The amount of waste generated by the
use of these products is alarming and detrimental to the ecosystem.
There is a need to have a menstrual product that is affordable and
eco-friendly; reusable pads fit into this description. The issue of
whether menstruators would welcome the use of reusable pads due to fear
of being laughed at or believe that reusable pads can lead to infections
manifests as a result of a lack of proper education concerning these
products. Studies prove that reusable pads are not associated with any
form of infection and could be a better alternative to disposable pads.
This paper aims to emphasize on the important role the use of reusable
pads can play towards ending period poverty with prioritizing adequate
menstrual health education and improved water, sanitation and hygiene
facilities.
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